Fundamentals of Management, 8th ed

Chapter 12: Communication in Organizations

3 8 3

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2.

Identify the basic forms of communication in

organizations.

• Interpersonal communication focuses on com-

munication among a small number of people.

• Two important forms of interpersonal com-

munication, oral and written, offer both

unique advantages and disadvantages.

• The manager should weigh the pros and

cons of each when choosing a medium for

communication.

• Communication networks are recurring pat-

terns of communication among members of a

group or work team.

• Vertical communication between superiors

and subordinates may flow upward or

downward.

• Horizontal communication involves peers and

colleagues at the same level in the organization.

3.

Describe the role of digital communication in

organizations.

• There are several basic levels of information

systems:

• Transaction-processing systems

• Systems for various types of workers

• Basic management information systems

• Decision support systems and executive

support systems

• Artificial intelligence, including expert

systems

• Intranets and extranets are also growing in

popularity.

• Electronic communication is having a profound

effect on managerial and organizational

communication.

4.

Discuss informal communication, including its

various forms and types.

• The grapevine is the informal communication

network among people in an organization.

• Management by wandering around is also a

popular informal method of communication.

• Nonverbal communication is expressed

through images, settings, and body language.

5.

Describe how the communication process can be

managed to recognize and overcome barriers.

• Managing the communication process entails

recognizing the barriers to effective communica-

tion and understanding how to overcome them.

• Barriers can be identified at both the individual

and organizational levels.

• Likewise, both individual and organizational

skills can be used to overcome these barriers.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS